Theo Walcott has been ruled out of the Carling Cup final with an ankle injury, while Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is doubtful for Sunday's Wembley date with Birmingham.

Fabregas lasted just 14 minutes of the 1-0 win over Stoke before limping off to be replaced by Andrei Arshavin. It was initially believed that the Spain international had jarred his knee, but manager Arsene Wenger has confirmed it is a hamstring complaint.

"Fabregas we will assess tomorrow with a hamstring problem," Wenger said. "We hope that it is not too bad, but I cannot give any more news tonight."

While Fabregas did not look in huge discomfort, the same cannot be said for Walcott who was replaced 20 minutes from time after a late tackle from Dean Whitehead and he has been ruled out of the Carling Cup final.

"It [the win] came at some cost as Walcott has an ankle strain and is out for the next game for sure," Wenger confirmed. "For how long we don't know."

The Gunners are heading into a frantic spell in their season with Premier League, Champions League, Carling Cup and FA Cup games coming thick and fast.

Wenger said on Tuesday that the club would in all probability thrust Aaron Ramsey back into action following his loan spell at Cardiff and that now seems certain to happen.